Chen Siqi

vankochensq@163.com

THE seamless integration of economic activities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), together with an increased ability of GBA firms to expand internationally after the Shenzhong Link opens later this month, are two of the main reasons that DHL has increased investment in Shenzhen, according to Yang Mei, director of DHL Shenzhen Port.

Connecting Shenzhen and Zhongshan and linking the eastern and western sides of the Pearl River Estuary, the cross-sea passage is poised to spur collaborative growth within the GBA.

The Shenzhong Link is expected to significantly improve the flow of people and cargo between the cities on the two sides of the estuary and foster industrial synergies in the GBA, effectively empowering companies to explore overseas markets, according to Yang.

“Notaly, the Shenzhong Link’s launch promises to reduce costs and increase transportation efficiency between Shenzhen and Zhongshan, further integrating the route into DHL’s global network,” Yang stated.

Companies located in cities on the western side of the Shenzhong Link, such as Zhongshan, Zhuhai, and Jiangmen, will gain an alternative route for exporting cargo via Shenzhen, allowing them to move away from traditional export routes via Guangzhou or Hong Kong. “This enhanced routing flexibility will benefit companies in the Greater Bay Area,” Yang added.

Primarily focusing on manufacturing and trade, these companies produce items like lamps and molds while companies in Shenzhen focus on high-end, tech-driven products.

Yang also noted that these companies have had a limited demand for international express delivery services. However, the Shenzhong Link will open pathways for them to access overseas markets more efficiently, particularly in the context of the rapid growth of cross-border e-commerce.

Having initiated operations in 2002 at DHL Shenzhen Port, located at the Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport, the company has seamlessly integrated DHL Shenzhen Port into its global network with numerous cargo flights to North America and Europe and cross-border trucking services to Hong Kong. DHL handles approximately 400 tons of deliveries per day in Shenzhen, according to Yang.

In 2023, DHL unveiled plans to expand its operations in Shenzhen — they are currently under way and expected to be completed by 2025. Post-expansion, DHL Shenzhen Port will offer more direct flights to the Asia-Pacific region and other key global destinations within DHL’s international network, enhancing connectivity and service quality.